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Ali'i Kayaks
Categories: Hotels & Travel Tours Active Life Rafting/Kayaking Active Life Hiking Tours, Rafting/Kayaking, Hiking [Edit]
174 Wailua RdKapaa, HI 96746
(808) 241-7700
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
19 reviews for Ali'i Kayaks
19 reviews in English
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Review from Tim W.
4/26/2012
Best priced Kayak rentals. Best activity we did on the island! Good location for kayaking on the Wailua river and into the jungle for a hike to the "secret falls". One can get lost in the jungle there as the paths are not clearly marked with signs. So, beware! We used our instincts and did fine to find the "secret water falls". The water fall doesn't disappoint. Swim in it and feel the rush and wind! Crossing a creek along the way is mandatory (water shoes help so you don't get your regular shoes soaked).
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Review from Stephanie M.
Marina del Rey, CA
5/11/2012
I'm not the hiking type of girl, so I was slightly hesitant to go on a trip which involved 4 miles of kayaking and a 1.5 mile hike, but I really enjoyed trip. But, I was really glad that I had a double kayak with my boyfriend because on the kayak back I was so tired I couldn't continue to paddle by myself. Kahi was our guide and he was great, even stopping to take pictures of us on the way back. The hike was not that bad and now I can brag that I swam under (or rather around) a waterfall. We stayed at the waterfall for less than an hour which was enough time to enjoy the waterfall (any longer and it gets really boring). Although they tell you to pack a lunch all you need is snacks - the ground is really rocky and it's not like you can have a picnic. Water shoes are mandatory because your feet are going to get wet and I don't recommend swimming barefoot because of the numerous rocks. All in all I would recommend this tour.
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Review from Jennifer E.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2011
Awesome!! KP was our guide - super friendly and knowledgeable!
We got sunburnt on the way back - remember to re-apply you sunblock after the AWESOME waterfall swim! -
Review from Mo O.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2012
Ah-mazing time Kayaking on the Wailua with Ali'i!! Beau and Guy were our guides and they were the BEST! A great way to see different parts of the island and to get some history/story from the great guides. Loved it and would do again on our next trip to Kauai!
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Review from Angela F.
Dublin, OH
2/5/2012
We did this kayak tour in mid December '11 on our honeymoon. Kahi was our guide and he was FANTASTIC. He is born and raised in Kauai and knew everything there was to know about the local flora and fauna. He made the hike so interesting when it could have been very dull. Be sure to wear your swimsuit under your kayaking clothes as there is nowhere to change and be sure and put your full lunch in the dry bag. We were a little confused and only packed snacks and really regretted it. This is a great activity and we are so glad we did it.
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Review from Carise F.
Pleasanton, CA
6/4/2011
Our guide was TC and this kayak tour was definitely worth it! It has been pouring the last few days I've been in Kauai and TC said that they couldn't go on the hike yesterday since there was some flash flooding. Thankfully, the sun came out today. =)
We got dry bags (it's pretty big -- I carried 5 sandwiches, several bottles of water, a bag of grapes, and a few other things, and I still could've fit 3 or so beach towels comfortably) and kayak equipment, as well as a quick & easy kayak lesson. The Wailua River is pretty calm. On the hike, you'll just need to learn to love mud (if it's been raining). It's easy to slip (and I did, oops) and I stepped in a lot of mud puddles. I did the hike in Walmart water shoes, and everything turned out ok for me (though the insole started falling apart), but I'm sure it's probably better to wear sturdier shoes. You'll probably also get to ford the river, so maybe sneakers aren't a great idea.
The waterfall at the end was very nice -- 120 ft tall, but the pool beneath was only about 6ft deep. Beautiful nonetheless. I got a few mosquito bites, so bring bug spray.
This tour was a lot of fun! TC has a great sense of humor and showed us different areas of interest: fauna (toads, wild pig tracks, birds...), flora (different flowers, trees), landmarks, and even picked mountain apples for us. He's a local boy and said his Hawaiian family tree goes back 10 generations! Also, he's been a tour guide Ali'i Kayaks for 10 years.
Definitely try this tour when you're in Kauai. -
Review from Lindsay M.
Anaheim, CA
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I did this last weekend. Our guide was Johnny, and he was a local boy! He grew up in this valley of Kauai so he knew EVERYTHING there was to know. The hike was gorgeous, and seeing all of the plants and different wildlife in this area was priceless. The morning glory vines were my favorite, they made a canopy above the forest, and Johnny showed us the different plants and flowers that were edible, so that was cool too. Definitely bring water, food and bug spray! You will get hungry after the hike, and it's awesome to sit by the waterfall and eat your lunch. The leiki leiki rooms are in the bushes though :/
I'd also recommend stretching your arms before you go, because the kayaking will make you sore!! -
Review from Pam B.
Fishers, IN
1/3/2012
SECRET FALLS KAYAK TOUR..Not sure why they call the water falls a secret. This is a must see tour for the fun loving tourist. Our guide John was great. Very friendly with a fun spirit. Wear proper shoes due to the mud and water. Enjoyed the day and well worth the $.
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Review from Jan S.
Sonoma, CA
11/23/2011
A great highlight of last week's trip to Kauai was the kayak trip and jungle hike with this company. Our guide, Kahe, was so knowledgeable of the history, culture, and land! He was awesome! As we paddled up the river he shared the history and sacredness of the river, pointed out the many signs left by wild boar along the trail, identified edible plants, and took us up to the most beautiful "Secret Falls". Certainly, a trip to remember!
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Review from Joyce Y.
12/24/2010
3.5 stars
If you like kayaking, this is a good tour to go on. The Wailua River is a little dirty (brown color) but it's still pretty fun to go kayaking up the river in the morning, hiking through the forest while it's raining, and hiking up the mountain to see the waterfall. The waterfall was nice but a little disappointing since it didn't have too much of a Waterfall. But you can't blame the company for that!
Definitely go on the morning tour since you have more time to relax in the afternoon from a good kayaking work out.
Definitely don't forget to bring:
-MOSQUITO REPELLANT!! you will need it.
-Sunblock
-Lunch
-Raincoat/jacket
-Extra clothes
-Swim suit and towel
Also, definitely listen to their advice and don't wear flip flops. It gets reallly muddy and very slippery. I would recommend not wearing those swim shoes either because you can definitely slip. Wear sturdy comfortable waterproof shoes, like keens.
Our guide was great! I don't remember his name but he was nice and friendly and knew the island pretty well. He also hiked the entire trip without shoes!!! That's crazy. Even on mud and rocky paths! -
Review from Nicole K.
Encino, CA
9/20/2011
Great tour waterfall was beautifulllllllll and the hike was really nice would recommend highly. Got a little tired on the kayak back but I'm out of shape.
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Review from Cindy P.
Honolulu, HI
8/19/2011 4 photos
Oh my... Me, the hubby and my 11 yr. old and 18 yr. old didn't know what we were getting into, but hecka' glad we did it! First off our tour guide was a local brah that had a little chihuahua hike and kayak with us! (Forgot his name) You get these huge waterproof backpacks to shove your stuff in. Remember to fold properly or it will no longer be "waterproof" LOL. They are kinda muggy smelling so try to get a nice one if can.
So we get in a very nice van and shuttle us to our launch site. There was about 12 of us which isn't bad. We get a little 5-10 minute brief on how to kayak and run to the restroom too. Then we all get into our kayaks and follow the leader TC! "Stay on the right everyone!"
I didn't really time the kayaking part to get to our hiking section but I'd say it was a good 45 minutes! You will work those arms thats for sure! But it's fun and worth it (at this point at least). Finally we get to the part where all the other kayaks from other groups are jammed together and park the kayaks, Now our hike begins.Through the tall grass we go. DO NOT FORGET BUG SPRAY, BUG SPRAY BUG SPRAY! I don't care what anyone says, use it when you get off your kayak or after you cross the river! So we hang on to this rope and fight the knee high current. Doesn't look bad but it has a little kick of strength to it. Ha! Just hang on and you'll be fine. So we hike and hike and listen to a few historical facts and stories. We stopped and our guide catches a little lizard and he gets the lil' guy to open it's mouth and he puts it on my sons ear! Awesome! Then we hike some more and we are sweating now. So sweating and trudging through mud and dirt, it's not so bad. Just make sure you have some H2O for sure! Finally (after silently complaining of being tired) we make it to the secret waterfall...... YAY! We get 30 minutes to take pics and/or if your daring to jump into the waterfall! There is a sign about Leptospirosis. Because it is a fresh water pool there is a slight chance. But I haven't heard of any cases after my research so I felt okay to jump right in and I tell you, that was the best part of the hike for me, the hubby and the kids too! As hot, tired and sweaty as we were that water was FREEZING but well worth the goose bumps! It is very rocky when you get to the waterfall. So keep your shoes on! So we dry off a bit and eat our lunch that you pack on your own. (makes the tour cheaper) We brought cliff bars, gatorade, cookies and some fruits and it was perfect. After 35 mins or so we have to say goodbye to this lovely place that I could just fall asleep for hours at.
So were headed back and I tell the guide... It would be so cool if it rained, he told me "Not really!" Ten mins. into our hike, what the heck happens? It starts raining and I was happy for about 1 minute till I noticed the ground getting more slippery and even dangerous!
So we hike and we head down some steep parts that are now muddy (so much for wishful thinking) It took about an hour to hike back and all the way it was very muddy and slippery! I suggest you use a walking stick if you don't mind. I did slip once even after being so careful, landed on my A$$! My daughter fell maybe twice but it was fun for her! So be very careful and wear the right shoes! NO SLIPPAHZ, NO CROCS (leave that for the mainland gardening!), NO running shoes either. Just wear hiking shoes. I had hiking shoes but decided at the last minute to throw on my water shoes!! BAD idea which is probably why I fell on my booty!! LOL Anyway we get back into our kayaks drained from the hike! So here we go... 5 mins isn't so bad till you realize your kayaking against the wind this time! Ughhh. Can I say fun and tiring at the same time? My arms were on fire. I think in total we used up about 4.5 - 5 hours that day. It was amazingly fun! I don't recommend for elderly or those who aren't a little physical. I did see some people having a real hard time ;(
Anywhooooo.... NO Leptospirosis, thank goodness! We are all fine and can't wait to do it again!! (Okay, next time I'll make sure there is absolutely NO rain in the forecast!) lol Very fun experience!
Important tips:
*Go as early as you can in the morning
*Bring food and drinks
*small towel
*Wear "Hiking" shoes that you don't mind getting wet of course
*BUG SPRAY, Sunscreen and a Hat if you don't wanna burn your face
*Camera
*$$$ for tipping your wonderful and patient guide ;) -
Review from Roxy A.
7/7/2008
This is my family's fourth or fifth time visiting the island of Kauai, but our first time taking a kayak tour..it was definitely alot of fun and a different experience. If you're willing to get wet and do some hiking then you'll have a good time..the hike isn't too difficult (I was able to do it in flip-flops! haha..but i reccommend wearing sandals that are good for hiking). The tour lasts about 4.5 hours..about 2 hours kayaking and about 2 hours hiking. You can seat 2 people per kayak or single..and you kayak along the Wailua river..the water is calm, cool and peaceful..there's alot of beautiful scenery to take in.
Then midway we stop and leave the kayaks and hike out to Wailua falls..our tour guide Brandon was very knowledgeable about the history of rainforests of Kauai..telling us about the different fruit trees..Mango, ginger root, and we even got to taste some Lilikoi fruit!! yummay.. The waterfall is really nice, but the water is pretty cold!!! haha Lunch is provided in the tour so you get a turkey sandwich, chips, guava juice, cookies & fresh pineapple. After lunch, then we hike back to the kayaks and then kayak back.
The tour isn't too difficult..you get a nice workout paddling and hiking too. I went with my family and my parents & aunt were able to hike it no problem!
A few things to remember:
-you're supposed to have closed toe shoes..(even tho i wore flip flops)
- bring bug spray!!! lots of it
-sunblock
-waterproof camera
The tour is about $103/person but it's pretty worth it if you're looking for something fun for the whole family -
Review from AsianRunningDiva S.
Honolulu, HI
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
JOHNNY ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! We went on the morning tour and had so much fun! Our group was also really awesome! Everyone was very capable kayakers and hikers! Johnny really knew his stuff--the trees, the island, etc--a local boy born and raised in the area!! It started to rain a little on our hike to the falls, but the canopy from the trees kept most of the rain off. The kayak up the river wasn't difficult and the hike was short! And the amazing waterfall made up for everything! We got to swim in the COLD water below--don't linger too close...never know what's going to fall from the waterfall! Bring mosquito repellent--lots of those that want to get at you! Bring your own lunch and water since they don't provide it, but it's so cheap! $50 with taxes for the use of a kayak (they give you a dry bag that doubles as a backpack), a hike, and a tour guide! Great deal on the island for this beautiful, but touristy gem! :)
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Review from Nalinee M.
Tucson, AZ
8/13/2010
this is the only kayaking tour i've done on kauai, but it certainly was a good one. if i ever go out with another company, this is what i'll have to compare it to.
our guide, who called himself haolewood, was very funny & entertaining the entire trip. he was very knowledgeable of the surrounding area, and its legends, history and myths. he actually taught me quite a few more than i already knew.
the hike up the river is pretty easy. he said that it's the way back down that you go against the current. i found that a bit odd, but i guess he knows what he's talking about!!
he took us by kamokila hawaiian village on the way out. it was pretty cool to see -- i haven't been there since elementary school days & makahiki!!
we parked our kayaks and got out to do the hike to uluwehi falls (also known as secret falls). the hike is fairly easy, mostly flat. verrrrry muddy! wear something you wont mind getting dirty--or even ruined. the red dirt mud stains and you might have a hard time getting it out of your clothes.
the waterfall was beautiful! very nice destination for lunch.
lunch was okay--sandwiches were a little soggy; ate mine anyway because i was soo hungry!
i definitely recommend this tour for everyone. go with ali'i kayaks, you will not be disappointed! -
Review from Kristin T.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2010
Our guide, Rick, was awesome, and in addition to being really knowledgeable about local nature and history, gave good recommendations about local cuisine and sightseeing. The tour itself is pretty affordable, especially considering that it keeps you busy for half the day. Our tour was set to end at 1:00pm, but we didn't get back until 3:00pm. Our guide made sure first that none of us had anywhere to go, and he certainly could have cut it shorter if we'd needed him to. As we didn't, we got an extra 2 hours of fun for no extra cost. BUT, don't come expecting that though, obviously they don't do it every time, but I would recommend not scheduling any other excursions afterward just in case.
Advice: As others have mentioned, be sure to bring some food; they give you a dry bag to take with you for your supplies. Others have mentioned bug spray - so we spent $10 on it at the hotel just before we came for the tour - but actually didn't end up using it or needing it. Although, we were there in December, so that might not hold true in other seasons. -
Review from R. G.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2010 3 photos
Really relaxing, easy kayak trip with nice and knowledgeable guides. Our guide Sean was really great and let us paddle and hike at our own pace. My favorite part was the hike. We stopped at a little waterfall before we got to Secret Falls (actually not such a secret) and learned a bit about the history of the sacred land. Secret Falls itself is very beautiful, but crowded with other commercial tours in the afternoon, still it was a nice place for lunch and we did get a photo op alone under the waterfall. A great way to spend the afternoon and get some sun too!
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Review from Monica S.
Anaheim, CA
12/3/2010
Rick, Haolewood, Hollywood...whatever he wants to be called is ok with me because he was grrr8!!!! Kayaking was relaxing as we go at a slow pace for the most part. There were 6 kayaks total in our group, plus the guide. He was very funny, friendly and chatted it up with everyone. My husband commented that Rick was a great story-teller. The hike was longer than I thought it would be but it wasn't bad in terms of difficulty. We bought water shoes from Walmart the day before and these worked very well to wear throughout this tour. When we reached the falls we ate right away. We had to pack our own lunches on this tour. Turkey sandwiches in small sandwich buns worked great and they did not get soggy at all. Grapes and trail mix were our sides and we were happy campers. Great picture opportunities at the falls. Rick was nice enough to snap shots of all the couples with their cameras. The hike back was fun and since no one was in a hurry we had extra fun time in the river. =) Thanks Rick!
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Review from marilyn g.
Camas, WA
5/2/2010
Our guides, Lyndon and Edi were super nice and great guides. The kayak trip was just the right amount and very peaceful. I recommend going in the morning before there are too many boats out there. You can go at your own speed, no one is rushing you to go faster. As a matter of fact the guides encourage you to take your time and do what you want. After paddling we got to the start of the hike, we also had a little bit of rain but it was so warm it didn't matter. The hike was pretty easy, just a couple slippery spots but we had walking sticks to help out. The falls were beautiful, it was cold jumping in but it had to be done, swimming behind the falls was quite the experience. We had lots of time to just hang out, eat lunch and take in the sights. Again, we were encouraged to take our time. Beware and be prepared with bug spray, there were lots of mosquitos! We saw a gecko and surprisingly some mice too.
